Celebrating Sweet Mary
Mary Ellen Robson, known affectionately as “Sweet Mary,” returned home to her Father in Heaven on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, after a valiant struggle with breast cancer. She was a beacon of love, hard work, charisma, talent, and beauty. Her journey through life was marked by unwavering dedication and a love for God and her family.
Viewings will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, from 7-8:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
22035 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek, Arizona.
The service for Mary Ellen Robson will take place on October 26th at 11 AM (Arizona Time) at the same location.
Flowers can be sent to the church after 6pm on Friday October 25th. In Lieu of flowers, a donation can be considered to Cody’s Corner.
Cody’s Corner is an adult special needs day program where Marisa Robson (Jim and Mary’s Down Syndrome daughter) is a member. Donations will help service Marisa’s meals and activities while in attendance there.
*Please insert in Memo of payment: Marisa Robson food and activities.
Website:
Stephanie Lucas-Owner
Donation by Check:
5656 S Power Rd #138
Gilbert, AZ 85295
Donation by Zelle:
Donation by Venmo:
@Codys-Corner
For those who can’t attend in person, it will be streamed live at this webpage. If you would like a digital reminder to watch, leave your information here:
Mary Ellen Madsen was born on July 24, 1946, in Dallas, Texas. She spent the rest of her life in Mesa, Arizona, where she was a pillar in her family and community. She attended Mesa High, where she was a “Bunny” and a “Rabbette” for cheer and dance, aFull Widthnd always had a large circle of friends wherever she went. Mary attended BYU and was a song leader and a Cougarette. She was a beautiful dancer and performer. She was Miss Coconino County and Miss Mesa, and was First runner-up in the Miss Arizona Pageant.
Mary loved to travel and did a semester abroad in Spain, where she learned to speak Spanish. She modeled for the famous Ford Modeling Agency, and exhibited incredible fashion sense and style her entire life. Although she was the epitome of grace and outer beauty, it was her inner beauty that “stole the show” and lifted others around her.
Jim was mesmerized by Mary’s light from a young age. In kindergarten he sat behind her gorgeous dark ringlets and told his mom that he “saw an angel today.” After graduating from BYU, Mary asked to be set up on a date with him, and the rest is history. They were married for time and eternity on Sept. 2, 1970, in the Mesa Arizona Temple and have made a beautiful life together.
After marrying, Mary joined Jim’s band, The Family Waye, and together with his sisters, Loretta, Denna, and Roseanne, and Mary’s brother Robert (Bobby Sol), they traveled across the United States and Canada performing for audiences all around the world. Many people, including Gene Autry and Bob Hope, enjoyed watching their shows. After having three children while on the road, Jim and Mary agreed it was time to come home. While watching a Chuckwagon dinner theater show in Colorado, Mary leaned over to Jim and said, “We need to do this!”
Their dreams of the Rockin’ R Ranch became a reality after many years of incredibly hard work. They made their own cowboy town and dinner theater on their family ranch in Mesa, Arizona, and were able to stay home and perform to audiences around the world that would now come to them. “Big Jim” and “Sweet Mary” were together with their children and other amazing band members over the years performing “Songs and humor of the Old West.” They became a key landmark for great family entertainment and for Arizona tourism. Mary was a natural performer and was always perfecting her craft. She was a gifted singer and learned to play the saxophone, the keyboard, the fiddle, the flute, and even figured out how to play songs on a cross-cut saw! She brought joy and light to hundreds of thousands of people as she performed on stage. Another highlight was being able to perform with the band at the 1996 Super Bowl in Arizona. Mary exemplified a beautiful line in her patriarchal blessing that says, “You shall stand before audiences that shall be thrilled by your talents.”
When Big Jim got cancer in 1998, Mary took the reins and did everything needed to keep the Ranch going. She worked so hard, night and day, while still taking such good care of her husband and children at home. Her work ethic was unmatched. We still laugh that even on Christmas Day she would be taking reservations and answering her phone, “Rockin’ R Ranch, can I help you?” We can imagine her entering the Pearly Gates and, as she performed every night at the Ranch, saying: “Howdy folks, I wanna hear a great, big Howdy!” She will be one of God’s greatest singing angels.
Big Jim and Sweet Mary found another great purpose together when they started building direct sales teams. They were passionate about helping others achieve their dreams and eventually built teams of thousands of home-based business owners in seven different countries. From the personal mentoring they offered so many to speaking on stages in front of tens of thousands, Big Jim and Sweet Mary spent the last 25 years of their lives lifting and inspiring others to chase their passion and purpose.
Mary’s greatest love was her calling as a wife and mother, and would do anything for her six children. She devoted her life to her family and will forever be an example of love and righteousness.
When her fifth child Marisa was born with Down syndrome, Mary spent countless hours caring for her and taking her to every class and specialist available. She learned how to be a pillar and strength for others, and would often go to the hospital when other families were expecting a new baby with Down syndrome and teach them all that she knew. She would get them excited for the best gift that they were about to receive from heaven. She was a great support to many and has always had the most beautiful relationship with Marisa. We know she is looking down on and watching over our sweet Marisa each day.
Mary had a beautiful testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and never wavered in her faith and commitment to the Savior. She was a temple worker in the Mesa and Gilbert temples for nearly 10 years, and loved her time working there.
She is a choice daughter of her Heavenly Father, and we can imagine the great reunion as she returned home to His presence. We know she was also lovingly embraced by her parents and her brother Robert Madsen (Bobby Sol), who preceded her in death.
Mary’s presence illuminated the lives of all who knew her. Her talents, strength, witty sense of humor, and unwavering faith were a source of inspiration to many. She leaves a legacy of love, strength, and resilience that will continue to guide and inspire future generations.